FOR MANY of the tens of thousands of tourists to Cyprus, one of the first areas they see upon their arrival at Larnaca Airport is the Salt Lake. It is, without doubt, a jewel in the crown.
Apart from the tourists who visit the lake when the flamingos migrate here, the annual pilgrimage of the flamingos is awaited and enjoyed by people from all over the island. Over a great many years, generations have visited the Salt Lake to admire and pay homage to our pink-feathered guests.
At any time of the year, whatever the season, the Salt Lake offers a beauty and mystique that can only be achieved by Mother Nature. The sun setting behind the silhouette of the mountains, is a breathtaking experience, however many times it is observed.
However, although we are blessed with this wonderful gift and asset, even Mother Nature at times needs a helping hand. This is evident when you take a good look around the areas surrounding the lake.
Many of the trees are in a very sad state. Often I think that there are only two types of trees at the Salt Lake, the dead and the dying. This has always been a concern of mine: why are they perishing? Why is nothing being done about it? And why is there not a re-planting scheme to safeguard the tree population for the future?
Over the years, the area around the Salt Lake has become a dumping ground. Apart from beds and objects of all shapes and sizes, builders’ rubble and rubbish is abundant.
Litter at the lake, like anywhere else throughout the world, is a very big problem. It would help if more litter-bins were apparent. There was one litter bin situated in the makeshift car park on the airport road. This litter bin disappeared some time last year, never to be seen again. Consequently, instead of people taking their litter home, they donate it to the Salt Lake.
Then when you approach the area of the army camp, a surprise awaits you. Some time ago, the military authorities replaced the perimeter fence. The old fence, together with the metal posts complete with huge blocks of cement, were deposited on the area surrounding the lake. Not a very good example to the public from a national body.
I could mention countless examples, all of which are sad, because they are having a damaging effect on our beautiful landscape. Writing about all that is wrong is just not enough; we need action.
How can we rectify what is wrong, and how do we protect and maintain our jewel?
Obviously, a great deal of work has to be done, and money spent on any project. However worthy the cause, it would be improper to seek, or spend, public money from central government funds. The needs of hospitals, schools and welfare, have to take priority.
My personal suggestion would be to set up a Friends of the Salt Lake Society. I am sure there are countless numbers of people who care enough to become a friend. One necessity would be to meet at different times of the year, and form working parties to have a good tidy up.
A replanting scheme for trees, and the re-introduction of many of the wild flowers that are diminishing, or have been lost, is vital.
This could be achieved by voluntary contributions. A tree-sponsoring scheme could be introduced. This would give people the opportunity of having their ‘own tree’ at the Salt Lake. It could be planted in memory of someone, to celebrate a happy event, or sponsored by a corporate body.
Litter has to be contained by the distribution of litter bins around the lake. The cost of these could again be met by sponsorship. A company or organisation could donate a litter bin, and in return, their advert be placed on the front of the bin. Donations are tax deductible, so corporate bodies can offset the cost of their gift.
I do hope that there will be many Friends of the Salt Lake, only too willing to help protect our very special place. In doing so, they can hand over a unique legacy to generations to come, who will continue to enjoy, and grow to love, our very own special place on our wonderful island.
